R&R package worth Rs 40 lakh+ tilted situation
Hyderabad:Enthused by a generous relief and rehabilitation (R&R) package offered by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, farmers in Vikarabad district are volunteering to give up their land for the establishment of an industrial park in Vikarabad district.
The farmers, who own uncultivable assigned land, are to receive an unprecedented compensation of `20 lakh per acre, 150 square yards of developed land per acre, valued at `15 lakh and allotment of an Indiramma house worth `5 lakh — totalling at least `40 lakh per farmer.
This package will be disbursed within 15 days of conducting a survey for land acquisition, a departure from the delayed and often contentious land acquisition processes of the past.
Further sweetening the deal, one member from each affected household will be offered employment in the industries to be set up in the area, based on their qualifications. An Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) has also been established, where local youth can acquire skills required by the new industries, ensuring that they are prepared for employment opportunities in the future.
The assigned land in areas such as Polepally, Hakimpeta, Lagcharla, Roti Banda Thanda, and Pulicherla Kunta Thanda had become unproductive due to lack of irrigation, and many farmers from these villages have migrated to cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Dubai for menial jobs.
Despite their efforts, they were unable to sell or mortgage their assigned land, because they have no rights to sell or mortgage it as per norms. For these families, the proposed industrial park offered a lifeline.
Revanth Reddy's decision to set up industries in Dudyala mandal in Vikarabad district promises not only economic growth but also a much-needed turnaround for the area.
Farmers say unlike the harsh, often violent land acquisitions of the past, the government's approach under Revanth Reddy's regime has been marked by democratic negotiations and empathy.
In stark contrast to the land seizures during previous regimes, where all residents of villages were detained and families forcibly evicted, Vikarabad district collector Prateek Jain held public consultations with the farmers, visiting villages such as Polepalli, Hakimpeta, and Lagcharla. He listened to the farmers' concerns and sought their opinions, ensuring their voices were heard. This collaborative approach has won the trust and support of the local community.
Gudise Kishtappa from Hakimpeta shared how the compensation of `1.08 crore for his five acres of assigned land, along with an Indiramma house and developed land, has provided a new lease on life. "Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has come like a god to support people like us," he said.
Mala Balappa, another farmer from Hakimpeta, expressed immense relief, stating, "Our entire family is very happy. Revanth Reddy is changing our lives. All our problems seem to have been solved at once with the compensation coming in."
Farmers like Madiga Anjilamma and Sunnala Ramulu also expressed their gratitude, noting that their children, who had migrated for work, would now have the opportunity to return with employment in the new industries.
